Sean C. wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:09 PM:Tom Brady doesn`t like being rushed, well get ready for the Charger front (magnificent} seven they`re healthy and on a mission... from Mission Valley to Miami. Bchicks game planning can only go so far when he doesn`t have the players. Chargers are favored by 5 but they will win by at least 14. Rodney ain`t playing, you don`t come back from a sprained knee in 2 weeks, even if he does he can`t catch Tomlinson. Rivers will be Rivers (a WINNER) The real suspense here ? Will Bchick shake Marty`s hand after the Pats lose ?

joe r. wrote on Jan 9, 2007 3:44 PM:According to Sean C. the Patiots should plan for a early vacation. I can tell you that in all 3 SUPER BOWL VICTORIES!!!! The PATS never took it for granted and surely would never take a team 13-4 that feels it was snubbed by only one pro-bowl player that feels it has something to prove now, even though they HAVE WON 3 OF THE LAST FIVE SUPER BOWLS. MUST BE NICE TO HAVE A SUPERSTAR TEAM ALREADY IN THEIR MINDS HAVE BEAT THE ONE WITH ONLY ONE PLAYER IN THE PRO BOWL!

David wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:21 PM:This game will be over by halftime.. brady will be pulled out middle 3rd quater. bank on it.

Rob K. wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:29 PM:Sean C. sure is cocky considering the chargers haven't won a playoff game since Air Coryell. I'm not sure the Pats will win, but I'll take my chances with Belichick and Brady over Martyball and the juicers any day...even with a banged up secondary and a corps of WR castoffs. Somebody needs to replenish Merriman's stash before the weekend.

John H wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:42 PM:Tell Merriman to get juiced up for this game, he'll need it. Patriots win this game by 10.

Kevin wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:54 PM:Charger Nation, listen up! You all know deep down in your heart of hearts that when that moment comes and it will come this Sunday, when the game is on the line, Marty will pull a Marty! Sleep well!!!!

Mike wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:58 PM:Rob K. states that Sean C is cocky, but listen to him....at least Sean has his facts straight and Rob doesn't. The Chargers actually won 2 playoff games following the 1994 season, enroute to Superbowl XXIX. As for me, I'll take my chances with the better, healthier team playing at home and that team is the San Diego Chargers.

Steve wrote on Jan 9, 2007 6:19 PM:2001 = Rams 2003 = Carolina 2004 = Colts 2006 Chargers?????? Nobody ever picks the Pats. This years team is better than the one that beat the "Greatest Show on Turf". In addition, it's been awhile since the Chargers played a team with any passion or determination. Be afraid my young BOLTS, be very afraid!

Rob wrote on Jan 9, 2007 6:22 PM:Dear Charger fans, You have a great team out west and you should be grateful of what the Bolts have accomplished this year, 14-2 impressive. I warn you fans not to get too excited about this game thinking that it will be any where close to a blowout. This Patriots team is battle-tested and hungry. What the Pats have accomplished over the last few years is beyond the understanding of all of those fools making the comments above. It should be a heavy weight fight and the team that executes and makes the fewest mistakes will win. Just remember, LT is real good, maybe the best ever. Gates is also a freak of nature and dangerous--real dangerous, but the Pats are a better team and they do not flinch in the big games--as a matter of fact, they thrive in these situations. Just one more thing, the Pats are 11-1 under Belichick in the playoffs and the loss came in Denver last year. Go back and watch that game. Before a game changing PI call that gave Denver 50 free yards (an awful call) the Broncos had mustered about 25 yards of total offense in a whole half. The Pats would have destroyed Pittsburgh last year in the chamionship game like they do every year and they could have another Superbowl Title--go back and watch the Denver game. So take it easy this week and enjoy the game. I cannot guarantee a Pat's victory like you silly people are predicting the Chargers to roll, but I can predict a dog-fight. Enjoy--this is the toughest game on the way to the big show for San Diego. This week is the Superbowl.

Fletch wrote on Jan 9, 2007 6:29 PM:If the Pats shut down LT, it will be an extremely long day for the chargers and Phillip Rivers. Bank on it. The pressure will get to him. I've seen it happen too many times with the Patriots in the last 6 years.

eric wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:14 PM:tom brady is the micheal jordan of football, its like barkley, malone and ewing, micheal held them down and denied the championships, toms gonna do that to tomlinson, peyton, insert super star name here____, tom brady runs the show and the chargers won't have a prayer, its scary, he hasn't even hit his prime yet, look out for years to come nfl cause the pats are legit from the field to the front office, if your sick of us now, just wait 5 years, we will be pure evil in your eyes, patriots nation of domination is here

Jim wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:17 PM:This game will come down to which team plays better. All of the "Belichick is a genius" and "Marty is a playoff choker" is nonsense. Can't wait for SUNDAY!!

John wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:19 PM:Bolt fans. You're team is not as good as the 04 Steelers. That team went 15-1. The QB, Big Ben, was undefeated. That team smoked the Pats in regular season. So what happened in the AFC championship game, played in front of all those fans with yellow terrible towels? The final score, 41-24, New England Pats. Check out our road record this year. It's the best in the NFL. ``You stay cocky, San Diego.''

Sean G wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:35 PM:Ths chargers team reminds me of the '04 Steelers...Big home favorites with an attacking D, alot of hot heads, a young first year QB, a big running game, playing at home in the AFC Championship game...New England came, saw, and went on to pack their bags for Jacksonville.... Brady will spread your D wide in a hurry up offense and dink an dunk you all the way down the field..Can't get to the QB if the balls away in 2.5 seconds..

phil wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:50 PM:In the Pats three Super Bowl years in the playoffs they beat the regular season MVP. History repeats its self on Sunday.

T. Oakley wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:02 PM:I thought this was a California newspaper. Where are all the San Diego fans?? It's just a preview of what it will be like on the field Sunday! Silence.

curtis wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:13 PM:seen this kind of talk before... the colts were pretty cocky a few times, so was pittsburgh, st louis, might be one more team crying at the end of the game... but we were the better team and how they cant believe they lost... gonna be fun reading your comments monday... lol

ChargerFanfromWineCountry wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:33 PM:Being an ole guy I have seen "Teams of the Decade" come and go. Just like the 49ers dropped reality on the Cowboys with catch for example. I firmly believe that LT and company will drop the new reality on The Brady Bunch with "The Game". Think Boise State mentality boys and girls - Anything is possible.

Bill wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:46 PM: Don't forget, for many of us, 51-10 is still a fresh wound, a fresh and open wound. This is the one vengeance the Patriots haven't taken. The Pats beat da Bears this year. "Vengeance is mine," sayeth the Bruski.

MiamiBoltsFan aka The Twan wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:22 PM:Listen up New England faithful!! The Pats have certainly been crowned the team of this decade and they certainly have accomplished a remarkable feat in securing 3 of the past 5 Super Bowl dances. However, Martyball is nowhere on the radar screen, nor even on the menu for Sunday's big date with the Pats. Just look at our Offensive stats!!!! We're ranked # 7 in the NFL!!!! Not very conservative, not very Marty-like at all!!!! Incidentally, our D is ranked #10 in the league. Balance, Balance, Balance!!!! This year's team is not your grandpa's Charger team of season's past. This is a solid squad from top to bottom and on both sides of the pigskin. Brady is already a playoff legend, but the Dolphins gave him fits earlier this season at Pro Player, and you know what, he bleeds red just like every other man on the field. The Pats no doubt will throw everything including the kitchen sink at us this Sunday, but your Patriot Nation needs to understand one little thing about facing this potent and very well-rested Charger squad: after we take your best shot and spit out a little bit of blood on Sunday, we're going to punch you right back in mouth!!!!! Remember, Brady will need to be near-perfect for a full 60-minutes on Sunday. Not necessarily impossible, but highly improbable!!!! He's going to see a lot of different looks from a very fast, hard-hitting, well-rotated, and turn-over forcing Charger's D which means he will probably need to release that football in under 2 seconds before Merriman and the boys declare open season on his rib cage!!!! ALL DAY BABY!!!! Rivers, however, doesn't actually have to turn in a perfect performance on Sunday since he will have a ton of pressure taken off him by 10 other Pro Bowlers who will also be wearing Lightning Bolts on their helmets on Sunday afternoon!!!! Remember quiz kids you can't double-team 5 players on each side of the ball. Keep it nice, tight, and close early on New England Nation, cause if ya don't, if you even blink at Qualcomm Stadium, it's gonna be one very long and painful Sunny California afternoon for your squad!!!! Remember, we respect your organization's incredible accomplishments and make no mistake, you're the Kings of the Hill of the Decade, but we're gonna drink our JUICE, suit up, fly around, stick your Tommy Boy in the ribs (ALL DAY BABY!!!), and punch you right back in the teeth!!!!! May the better squad be victorious!!!! Good luck Patriots!!!! This is OUR season Charger Nation !!!! Sunday is OUR statement game of the year!!!! STRENGTH & HONOR BOYS!!!! ALL DAY BABY !!!!

Sean C. wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:42 PM:Again I ask will Bchick shake Marty`s hand after the Pats lose??? Nothing personal but the Chargers are loaded with talent & the Pats simply are not. I respect what Rodney Harrison has done & he deserved the rings. Now it is Tomlinsons time.

ChargersRtoys wrote on Jan 9, 2007 11:17 PM:ChargerFanfromWineCountry, you're so funny, you're not an ole guy, you're probably drunk, what reality are you talking about, and are you claiming SD is the underdog? Which planet are you living in? You really must be drunk! You comparing SD to Boise state? GO check the spread then come back and whine. I hope you watched the whopping OSU took on Monday night, you can have LT, juiceguy (Merriman) and Gates, but your team lacks emotion, you're not playing for anything, too much arrogance, I hope the Pats shut your team out, you said it, anything is possible. By the way, wonder how Merriman will function without the enhancing juice. Lights out my ass.

TitleTown wrote on Jan 9, 2007 11:51 PM:You Bolt fans have smacked your head one too many times off those 10 foot overheads. Wake up. Bill B and Brady = Championships. It doesn't matter how much talent you have and the Patriots have proven that with 3 titles against teams with superior talent (Rams, Steelers, Colts). No one ever gives them the credit due. Patriots should be favored by 3 points. The Pats have the best D Line, with Warren (should have made ProBowl), Wilfork (BigWil), and Seymour (best linemen in NFL) with Jarvis Green off the bench. This D Line will hold the gaps and keep LT contained to 100yds which will equal a Patriots win, because we will force the fate of SD in the hands of Rivers and the Genuis Belichick will make him look silly. Breakdown: Pats 24 SD 10 LT: 104yds 1 TD Rivers: 8 for 21, 119yds, 0TD, 2INT Brady: 22 of 31, 285yds, 2TD, 0INT Maroney: 124yds 1TD Caldwell: 8 rec 149yds 2TD So grab you surfboards, break out the bud, and forget about SuperBowl XLI.

Bob wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:50 AM:All lot of you writers are having dreams of grandure. "Brady will be pulled out in the third quarter." "The game will be over at half time" "The Patriots better pack for a vacation" You San Diego fans, "Time to wake up and get ready for school"

Dino wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:33 AM:The Pats thrive on being underestimated by talented, but young, cocky, and inexperienced teams. Rivers may someday be a decent QB but you can pretty much count on Belichik and the Pats D confusing the poor boy--just ask the long line of traumatized QB casualties: Peyton Manning, Rothlisberger, Delhomme, Kurt Warner, McNabb, etc., etc., etc.. It could get ugly for the kid and if they contain Tomlinson it'll be sayonara San Diego. So, "stay cocky, San Diego."

chargedup wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:38 AM:According to the Football Outsiders the chargers played the 2nd easiest schedule in the NFL this year. The Pats played the 2nd toughtest of all the playoff teams. Everyone is picking the chargers...just how I like it.

Jeff W Pat FAN from CT wrote on Jan 10, 2007 5:14 AM:First, It will be fun in my house. Daughter and I are PATS fans, Wife and Son Bolts. I believe the game will be close and could go either way. What I love about the Bolts Fans is that they keep saying that last year the bolts handled the Pats, well lets see they did, minus the PATS running team (Injuries) LB (Injuries) 2 of the starting LB from last year are jobless now. And a Secondary a mess, I believ Marty even stated that they did not beat the real PATS last year just a shell. It reminds of the year when the Bolts went into PITTSBURG and all the steeler fans gave no respect (Rember the Charger doll hanging from the crane). The Patriots are focused as is the bolts, but come on now look at Rivers (Good QB) he not ready fro the Big time IS HE? Where would he be w/o LT, Lorenzo and Roid?

Mike B wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:47 AM:Ok Miami Bolts Fan "The Twan" and your all day baby!!! You can take your Juiced up CLOWN all day baby!!! I will take Brady, Vrabel, Bruschi, and the bunch any day. Good thing you guy's had a chance to rest up. I am not one of these idiots like Sean C. who say's this game is going to be a Bolts blowout, but the pats once again, will be the underdog and win this dog fight. You clowns better not hope this game gets put on Rivers shoulders, or it will be a long day.

Beantown wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:48 AM:Good luck to both teams. It'll be a great game!

Bosum wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:56 AM:OK Pats fans (those who love to see their name in print above). Please let us know what paper you normally have these blogs on. After the Chargers game, I will look out for you. What a long off season of posts it will be, making you pompous few eat your words. If the Pats were a better team, they would have a better record this season. They don't. Take all the other stats and toss em. Chargers have found ways to win in all but two cases. One was an out and out coach-pulling-a-turtle routine (Baltimore). The other was a young quarterback in a chaotic environment (Chiefs). The coach and the QB both learned from those losses (that is why that game was the Bolts last loss). Pats are not the best team this year, Brady is not the best QB this year, and Bella Chick is not the best coach this year. The team records are all that matter. GO BOLTS!

Mike wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:56 AM:WOW!!! Are you Bolts for real? You are not selling tickets to PATS fans? Southern Cal only, you are really throwing the kithchen sink at us huh? You must be kidding me, not to confidant are you Bolts?

DCPatsFan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:50 AM:Some of these comments are definitely a little cocky (both sides of the fence). But who ever said that this week's game is the super bowl nailed it. This is probably going to be the best game of the playoffs. The Chargers have built an elite level team. I also agree with the comments that the game will be decided by who makes the fewest mistakes. I see Brady putting up a good game. Everyone loves to knock our WR corps, but Caldwell (SD-castoff) and Jabar Gaffney have been impressive for the last 4-5 games. Don't forget Dreds & Treads. I also see LT scoring at least 1 TD. The man is unstoppable. I've watched Rivers throughout the season, as he was my fantasy backup QB, and the man has talent. (Here's the but...) But, he has had a couple of first-year duds. The question is can he prove himself against one of the toughest defenses in the league. Especially if Belicheck can (somewhat) neutralize the Chargers running game. My prediction: 21-20 on a Tony Romo botched snap. I mean, on a last-minute interception. Pats. I'm Ron Burgundy, ..., San Diego. (j/k - good luck)

Rob wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:26 AM:It's the same every year. "It's all ocver for the Patriots; your run comes to an end this weekend" etc.. Botton line is this is exactly where the Pats season came to an end last year (Divisonal playoffs, tough opponent on the road). So it'll be an interesting guage on exactly how intact their dynasty remains 5 years after their 1st SB win. San Diego came closer than anyone else to going 16-0 this year, losing a couple of 3-point games they could've won. They're an outstanding team with exceptional balance. New England is remarkably similar; difference being they have some serious postseason pedigree. Should be the game of the weekend. QB play the defining factor; Patriots 31 Chargers 21

Portland (Maine)Bill wrote on Jan 10, 2007 9:54 AM:I think all the hyped-up talk on this site (from both sides) is overdone. The game isn't going to be won here. But I know one thing, the Pats respect and don't take for granted their opponent. That's why the Chargers need to be concerned. It's a new season, and no question 14-2 in the regular season is excellent, the playoffs are a different animal. I don't know who's going to win, but I do know that the Chargers should take the same approach to their opponent - knowing any mistake they make can be lethal to them and their regular season record doesn't mean squat. Just as Tom Brady is human, so is LT, and certainly Rivers. And if you know anything about Tom, he is still seething by the spanking we got last year from the Chargers and will be looking to get even. And if you have watched the Pas at all in the past 6 years, you know more often than not he does. Do not underestimate your opponent! If the Chargers don't, it will be a good football game and they may even win. If they do, they'll be picking themselves up off the field wondering how this inferior team managed to beat them (just as the Colts, Steelers, Rams, etc. thought before).

joetoe wrote on Jan 10, 2007 9:55 AM: Brady doesn't like to be rushed? What QB does? Does Rivers like to be rushed? This fool obv knows nothing about football and is full of nonsense. It should be a good game, but if front 3 of the Pat's(who all have an argument for Pro Bowl) hold LT is check at all its lights out for the Chargers! So if both running games are held in check, who would you rather have dropping back to pass, Brady or Rivers? Chargers only chance is if LT runs wild and I can't see that happening against the team that let up the 2nd fewest pts( Steve C probably didn;t know this) in the NFL. Charger's have a bunch of great players....but TEAMS win in the playoffs!!!! Think about that Monday morning when your wondering what the heck just happened!!

Rick wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:11 AM:Belichick coaching against Marty is like bringing a Howitzer to a knife fight. It's hard to run against an 8 man front and even harder to throw the ball from your backside. Pats 27 Bolts 9

Jim wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:13 AM:One note about the pats AFC Championship win in Pittsburgh. "Big Ben" played like a stiff that week, just as he had the PREVIOUS WEEK against the Jets. The Pats deserve 100% credit for 3 SB wins...just trying to be honest that they didn't take down any juggernauts in their AFC Championship games.

superdave wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:17 AM:Gonna be a dogfight--GO PATS!!

Joe wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:33 AM:MiamiBoltsFan - You forgot one thing... You are not the Dolphins and you don't have the defensive player of the year on your team (that would be Jason Taylor - a clean player). The Dolphins have always given Brady fits, I believe his record is right around .500 against them. So while I think this will be a good, close game your comments don't hold much water. I really hope the Pats win this game, it would be horrible to see the Barry Bonds of the NFL win a playoff game. What is it with these California franchises? Good Luck to all this weekend...

Murph wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:58 AM:Bob has munched on one too many fish tacos. In addition to being the most intelligent QB in the league, Brady is also one of the toughest. If you think this game is gonna be over by halftime, you don't know playoff football (I understand as you appear to be a Bolts fan). If you think Brady will be out by the 3rd quarter in a playoff game than I really need to partake in some of your fish tacos to cure my glaucoma.

Rob wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:19 AM:It should be a brawl. Certainly the most anticipated game of a great weekend of football. Interesting point about the Dolphins. No one has come close to flustering Brady like they have over the years. But,IMO,familiarity (like the Red Sox and Mariano Rivera) is the primary reason for that. San Diego doesn't have that benefit. Playoff experience matters but it's difficult to determine how much. NE got this far last year; very tough road opponent in the Divsional round, and lost. It'll be a guage as to where there dynasty stands 5 years after winning their 1st SB. Being a Masshole this is tough to say, but Chargers 24 Patriots 20. NE's a formidable team and is capable of winning it all, but they're not what they were in 03 and 04. It would take a Herulean effort and the WR & Safety situations are a concern. Please, just don't let the referees decide this one.

SeattlePatsFan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:35 PM:Agree w/ all those who think this will be a tough, close game. No doubt SD is for real this year. But, why is no one talking about their strength of schedule this year? Their only truly dominant wins (by 2 TDs or more) were early in the season, against the silly Raiders, a Titans team that started 0-5, and the 49ers. Blew out the Broncos in Dec., but struggled w/ Arizona late, beat Buffalo by a field goal... I still think they're an awesome team, but I'm not sure they've been battle tested quite enough to go all the way. Not saying the Pats were more dominant this season; just a footnote for those who think this will be a cake walk for the Bolts.

SeattlePatsFan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:50 PM:Agree w/ all those who think this will be a tough, close game. SD is definitely for real this year. But while 14-2 looks pretty dominant, no one is really talking about the Bolts' schedule this year.. it's not like they were knocking off too many eventual playoff teams.. Lost to Baltimore, beat Seattle and split w/ KC. Their only truly dominant wins (by 2 TDs or more) were early in the season vs. the silly Raiders, a Titans team that started in a fog, and the 49ers. They blew out Denver in Dec, but the rest of the games were competetive. Not saying the Pats were any more dominant this year; just a footnote for anyone who thinks this will be a cake walk for the Chargers. They may not be battle tested quite enough to go all the way.

To Rob wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:50 PM:But you didn't beat the Steelers last year and they are Champs. S

RickFromKY wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:22 PM:Dan Fouts isn't walking through that door. Charlie Joiner isn't walking through that door. Rolf Bernerske isn't walking through that door. Pats 17, Chargers 13.

north shore Ray wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:30 PM:Marty ball's stats, you chargers fans do the math. Schottenheimer ranks fifth on the all-time list for wins in the regular season. Only Don Shula, George Halas, Tom Landry and Curly Lambeau have won more regular-season games in the league’s 87-year history. He began his head coaching career in 1984, spending 4 seasons with Cleveland and went on to coach the Chiefs for 9 years, the Redskins for 1 and the Chargers since 2002. Schottenheimer has led his teams to the playoffs 12 times, his playoff record: 5-12. He's 0-3 in AFC Championships. 2 losses are as the Browns head coach, both to the Broncos. The first came in 1986 in the infamous "Drive" where John Elway went 98-yards, in 5-minutes, while the 2nd came a year later after Ernest Byner fumbled on the Denver 3-yard line with just over a minute left. Browns lose by 5. The 3rd AFC Championship choke job came as Kansas City head coach in a 30-13 loss to the Buffalo Bills in 1993. In 1995, with the Chiefs, Schottenheimer had the #1 seed and lost in the Divisional Playoff to Indy, 10-7. Two years later he again had the #1 seed with the Chiefs, and this time lost 14-10 to the eventual champion Broncos. In his last playoff appearance, 2004 with the Chargers, his team came from 10 points down it the 4th to tie the game with 11 seconds left. In OT he decided to run LT into the line 3 strait times for no gain, giving his rookie kicker a 40-yard try for the win. Nate Kaeding’s kick wide right. The Jets then went down the field and won the game 20-17. The 2004 loss was Schottenheimer's 5th straight. His last win was with the 1993 Chiefs. Among the coaches to come from the “Marty Ball” system are Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, Lindy Infante, and Herman Edwards. Combined playoff record: 20-22. Only Dungy and Cowher have lead their teams to Conference title games, their combined record there: 2-6. deal with it.

team of the decade wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:57 PM:Who knows the pats better than mangini! Look what happened to the jets! The pats are the BEST at making in game adjustments.LT is a non factor if the chargers dont have the ball.

passionate patriots fan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:36 PM:Underestimating the New England Patriots it's a big mistake. They have proved it over and over again that they are great. The Chargers are an exciting team with several very good players. But the fact that they are 14-2 doesn't mean they will automatically beat the Patriots.

NostraBoltus wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:44 PM:Awe shucks guys Rodney WILL NOT BE PLAYING THIS SUNDAY. I`m a big fan of his & I believe without him the Pats might not have won a couple of those Superbowls. The first half of the game will be tight with the Chargers winning it in the final 20 minutes of the 2nd half. Rivers will continue to have the top QB rating of the 4th quarter. LT will be his usual MVP self & Merriman who by the way tested clean all season long will be a major force along with Shaun Phillips. Look for Brady to throw a couple of INTs

David C. wrote on Jan 10, 2007 4:57 PM:Hi there, I think the Pats can take this game as they have other BIG games when its down to the nuts and bolts. A joke there perhaps. If they play the way they did against the Rams defensively in their first Bowl Win , head hunting with the pads and a disciplined attacking offense thay will be victorious! 24-13

Brian in SoCal wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:20 PM:What a game! It's a bummer that Rodney won't have a chance to come back and stick it to his former team but who cares - you have Brady, LT, Merriman, Seymour, etc. etc. to keep this one interesting. I guess the Reche Caldwell revenge storyline doesn't excite many. Like any epic battle this will come down to the play of the two lines. Which defensive front puts more pressure on the QB and can stop the run? Turnovers may play a BIG role in this game. Can Philip Rivers hold onto the ball and not throw costly interceptions? Will the Pats avoid their late season fumbilitis? The Chargers front 7 doesn't really scare me. LT will get his yards, but I think he'll be sufficiently contained... Antonio Gates up the middle? He scares me... if the Chargers win, I'd be willing to bet that Antonio Gates is a big reason! If the Patriots win, it'll be because Tom Brady got ample protection in one of his typically masterful playoff performances... On a separate note, I love how the Chargers tried to limit ticket sales on Ticketmaster to those with Southern California billing address!

Will in FL wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:33 PM:Hello All. Big game this weekend, eh? Probably will determine the AFC Superbowl contestant. Here's the way I see it. Bolts LT gets over 100 yards, as usual, but not much more - Pats are too good personel-wise and game-planning-wise to let him run wild. Rivers, having pressure put on him early with LT struggling a little bit, is going to give the ball up somewhere, maybe a couple of times, early. Here's where the fun begins. IF the Bolts can hold the Pats to 10 or 13 points off those turnovers in the first half while scoring 10 or so themselves, they have a good shot at beating the Pats. If not, it might be a long day. Pats will try and get off to a fast start to neutralize LT as much as possible and put the game into Rivers/Gates territory. They don't believe they will shut them out, but they do believe that if they can hold them to 17 to 21 points, that they have a better than even chance of winning. PREDICTION: Pats 24; Bolts 17.

nyjetsfan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:57 PM:Good luck Bolts fans! We were at the Pats/Jets game this past weekend and thought our Jets would pull it off, then the Pats pulled out a can of whoop a$$ and kicked our butts. I hope your QB is really mobile. Good luck finding a new coach next year.

MiamiBoltsFan aka The Twan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:45 PM:ALL DAY BABY!!!! If we had played Detroit and Houston this year, it would have been a perfect 16-0 season!!!! Don't hate us cause we only took out both Pittsburgh and Seattle, last year's Super Bowl Champ and Runner-Up, along the way to a seriously solid 14-2 season!!!! Hurry-up Offense? Our secondary's gonna cover your wanna be flankers like wet blankets on a rescued bean-town surfer!!!! You know what that means my New England quiz kids, HINT: a league-leading 61 sacks, and oh yeah about 5 more on Sunday!!!! Can you say "Changing of the Guard?" my overachieving boys and girls!!!! We're coming at your golden Tommy Boy, and we're gonna stick him, hurry him, and drop him so hard on that oh so beautiful California field that he might just want to throw us a couple of picks just so he can catch his breath!!!! Mommie, please pass the oxygen mask!!!! Thanks Broncos for breaking the spell last year, it had been a perfect 11 until then!!!! Nothing lasts forever New England faithful, even mighty Rome had to fall!!!! Time to crash and burn mighty Romans of the eastern seaboard!!!! ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!! RIGHT IN THE MOUTH!!!! STRENGTH & HONOR CHARGER NATION!!!! Maybe we can send you all a year's supply of Merriman T-Shirts and some pop corn so you can watch us on TV next weekend settling an old score with the Ravens, now that a team I really respect!!!! ALL DAY BABY!!!!

Sean C. wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:47 PM:As I recall Brady was Whining about sign stealing a few weeks ago, whose falt is that, The Game planning Genius ? joetoe we`ll see whose grinning ear to ear when the final whistle blows in CHARGERLAND!!! I was at the Chargers Stadium & the big & fast guy who wears # 56 said Brady best get ready for a rough afternoon. Also it (the rally) took place 3:30-6:oo and there were at least 20,000 very loud fans in attendance

Mike wrote on Jan 11, 2007 6:40 AM:Hey Sean C, are you honestly trying to say that Bill is not a game planning genius? That big fast juiced up #56 clown, will really rage when he sees how Brady will pick apart his defense. Listen, you guy's have a very good team over there, but why nobody realizes what we have done in the BIG games to teams like yours in the past I don't understand.

Bawstonian wrote on Jan 11, 2007 7:27 AM:Pats 27-17. Two NE touchdowns in the last quarter. You watch.

MiamiBoltsFan aka The Twan wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:06 AM:I don't usually like to repeat myself, but since we're playing the "Mighty Mighty PATS, me thinks I'll make an exception!!!! ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!! If we had played Detroit and Houston this year, we?d be a perfect 16-0!!!! It?s not necessarily a California franchise thing to wish your adversary luck before a well-matched contest, it merely denotes that you have respect for their talent, accomplishments, and credentials, aka: SPORTSMANSHIP TommyBoy worshipping quiz kids!!!! Oh by the way: one little statistical footnote, we lead the league in SACKS (61) and in takeaways (+13). Translation: can you say ?Brady boy goes down for the count 5 times and throws 2 picks on Sunday!!!!? Face it New Englanders, we?ve seen the films against Denver (this year?s & last year?s playoff loss-you?re one and only playoff blemish boo-hoo), Indy, Jets, MIAMI (my personal favorite), & even that last Jags game was a scary event for your crew!!!! Those poor excuses for flankers of yours are going to be covered tighter than wet blankets over a recently rescued Boston surfer by our amazing DB?s!!!! Same goes for your TE?s via our very talented, deep (as in 7 differennt LB?s are always flying around in there), and lightning-fast line backing corps!!!! Dillon & Marooney will be totally neutralized by our front 7. Heck, Jamal Williams (#73-our ProBowl NT-remember that number children) may end up once again making more tackles than our MLB!!!! So, essentially it comes down to TommyBoy Brady?s decision-making capacity for 60 very hard-pressed minutes, only thing is: Brady won?t be able to do much if he spends most of the afternoon on his back (a league-leading 61 sacks-stay with me children) or on the bench if the BOLTS start using all those offensive weapons and a ProBowl bound O-line against you and begin to chew on that game clock!!!! ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!! Cry Baby Brady, crying all day long because the BIG-BAD Dolphins stole your precious signals!!!! Listen Up children of New England: statistically you match up well against us, but individually you don?t stack up at all!!!! When you stack the box against us, keep in mind that LT (stands for ?Lotsa Touchdowns?) remains the most versatile RB in the league and can also swing around and catch that pigskin or opt to throw it as well!!!! Antonio Gates (yawn-another ProBowler) is too fast for your somewhat slow Vrabel-led (case in point) LB?s!!!! We?ve also got Mr. K. ?Always-Open? McCardell and Mr. ?See the Back of my Jersey? Parker as our long-range options for moving those chains into your RED ZONE, plus two additional 6 foot 5 inch, young, motivated and highly athletic WR?s to throw into our countless number of sets!!!! Say it with me children of Boston, altogether now: ?ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!!? Thanks for giving us no credit and no chance on Sunday cause: WHEN WE TURN ?EM LOOSE ON YA?.THEY?RE GONNA BE COMING FROM ALL SIDES!!!! Oh, by the way, you can?t exactly coach team speed either, cause we aint the J-E-T-S!!!! Come to think of it, I think I?ll buy my plane tickets today so I can spend a little time up in Boston next week just to watch your ROMAN EMPIRE come to a CRASHING end in person!!!! By the way, SO SORRY about the TicketMaster rules in effect for SoCal residents ONLY New Englanders, nothing personal, it?s just that if a few of you ended up watching Sunday?s game in person (like last year?s Pats-Chargers fiasco in New England-yeah, yeah, yeah, half your squad was out!) you wouldn?t make it through the end of the 1st quarter at Qualcomm due to the decibel level alone!!!! Once again TommyBoys and Girls, GOOD LUCK, it?s not like you won?t be needing it come Sunday afternoon!!!! EVEN THE MIGHTY ROMANS HAD TO CRY UNCLE SOONER OR LATER!!!! ?STICK ?EM RIGHT IN THE MOUTH CHARGER-NATION-cause we?re the BARBARIANS & WE?RE AT YOUR FRONT GATE!!!!? Say it with me BEANTOWN children, I promise it will help ease your post-game pain on Sunday: ?ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!!? ?ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!!? ?THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE BIG-BAD-BOLTS!!!!? ?STRENGTH & HONOR!!!!!! Ya herd!!!!

To Twan wrote on Jan 11, 2007 8:11 PM:Your lot's of talk, no action, just like the Chargers. OUT BABY!

pablo wrote on Jan 12, 2007 6:44 AM:Schottenheimer: v. transitive. 1 to manage a football game in order not to lose, as opposed to managing a football game to win. e.g. He Schottenheimered them out of the playoffs. n. 2 the act of managing a football game not to lose, as opposed to managing a football game to win. e.g. They were one Schottenheimer away from the Super Bowl.

Dave from oberg wrote on Jan 12, 2007 12:58 PM:Chargers need to hit Brady and take him out of the game. Rivers needs to have big game. Patriots are scariest opponent in NFL. These playoffs will define Marty's career one way or another! 28-17 Chargers WIN!

Skip wrote on Jan 14, 2007 5:47 PM:They lost ! LOL

Joetoe wrote on Jan 15, 2007 4:26 AM:Hey Sean C. Even with the bad calls the refs made, even though Brady was not at his best the Pat's are moving on to the next round and The Charger's are looking for a new head coach. Chargers have a good young team and they will be a force down the road someday, Just not today. Hopefully they learned a lot from this experience. See you in Miami Sean C and look me up, I'll buy you a frosty Beer.

Jim106 wrote on Jan 15, 2007 7:42 AM:Just like the Martyball of old. San Diego should be building the gallows as we speak. Go Pats.